Ellena Limb

I very much enjoyed my program placement. It was life changing experience. The kids were so loving it has changed my perspective on life. To meet people from all around the world and making forever lasting friendships is the highlight from trip

Quick Program Facts

Summer Volunteer Program India 2015 | Volunteering India

We all get summer breaks and travel is always on top of the "things to do list". For those who want to travel and also make meaningful changes in their lives, Volunteering India offers an exciting opportunity for the volunteers with a combination of volunteer programs and weekend excursions in the capital city of New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar and Dharamsala. This program gives you an opportunity to volunteer in Delhi and volunteer in Palampur as well as explore the most popular destinations in North India.

Program Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat) – Arrival at Delhi
As soon as the volunteers arrive in Delhi, pick up is arranged for them from Indira Gandhi International Airport and Domestic Airport in Delhi. Volunteers who are already in Delhi can be picked from their local address, hotel and lodge. Once we take you to your accommodation, you can make yourself comfortable there. for early arrivers rest of the day is at disposal and they can go and familiarize with the locality. Gear up for the next day and keep your sun tan, sports shoes etc. handy according to the weather conditions.

Day 2 (Sun) – Sightseeing of Delhi

This day has a packed schedule. It is advisable that you do not skip your breakfast. Breakfast is complimentary and is included in your package. Your coordinator will meet you and give you a detailed orientation session. The orientation will cover your schedule for the trip, information about Indian culture, language, currency, etc. The very same day you would be taken for Delhi Tour. This will cover India Gate, Connaught Place, Parliament House and President’s House (View from Outside). From there on you will proceed to visit the heritage monuments like Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the very popular Lotus temple. Lunch is also included in your program, and it will be in a local restaurant. Dinner would include authentic and traditional Indian cuisine.

Day 3 (Mon) to Day 7 (Fri) – Volunteering in Delhi
Day 3 is when you officially begin the volunteer work. Your placement would be either in the Street Children or Orphanage project in Delhi. This placement will continue from Monday to Friday. Volunteers can work for 5-6 hours at the these centers. Volunteers are required to work at contact points or shelter homes for these kids. As a volunteer you can assist the staff with regular activities. Teach the kids, participate in extracurricular activities, devise recreational and educational games and do a lot more. Bringing gifts for the kids is your choice and many of our past volunteers have done that.

Day 8 (Sat) – Golden Triangle Trip begins
The famous Golden Triangle awaits you on Day 8. Starting with the Heritage city of the country, the ever glowing “pink city” Jaipur. Infused with traditional Indian culture and historical monuments, Jaipur is a must visit destination when in India. On arrival in Jaipur, volunteer travelers are taken directly to their accommodation. You get some time to freshen up and then we take you to visit the famous Jantar Mantar and City Palace. Later in the evening, we take you to Chokhi Dhani for an eventful night under star studded sky. This visit includes cultural shows (including traditional dance and puppet shows) accompanied by traditional Rajasthani cuisine (vegetarian).

Day 9 and Day 10 (Sun-Mon) –Volunteering at Elephant Village
On this day we take you for a visit to the legendary Amber Fort, famous for its architecture and grandeur. You would get to enjoy Elephant ride there too. After this visit you would be taken to the Elephant village. This is where you begin your next leg of volunteering. As a volunteer you would be required to help the mahouts in cleaning the premises, bathe the elephants, feed them, prepare their feed etc.

Day 11 (Tue) – Departure to Agra | Enroute Fatehpur Sikri Visit
On day 11 you would be taken to Agra. On the way we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri and Buland Darwaza. On arrival in Agra, you will be taken to your hotel or accommodation. After you freshen up and relax we will take you to visit the famous Taj Mahal. Rest in the night and be ready for the next day.

Day 12 (Wed) – Visit to Agra Fort / Agra-Delhi
After you have the breakfast we will take you on a trip to the historic Agra Fort. After this quick visit we would drive you back to Delhi.

Day 13 (Thu) – Delhi – A Day at Leisure
This day is at your disposal. You can do whatever you wish to do here. Shop in the local markets, go for souvenir shopping. You can also choose from our add on tours or pay extra for a food and cultural walk. Prepare yourself for a train journey the next day

Day 14 (Fri) – Leave for Amritsar to visit the famous 'Golden Temple'
In the morning we will board air-conditioned train to Amritsar for a visit to glorious Golden Temple and other areas of interest in Punjab. From the station we will take you to your accommodation. Later in the same day, we will take you to the Jallianwala Bagh, a martyr’s garden memorial. From there on we will visit the Golden Temple.

Day 15 (Sat) – Proceed to Dharamshala
This trip only gets better with each passing day. Get your outdoor gear on and be prepared to proceed to Dharamshala. After the breakfast you would be taken to Dharamshala from Amritsar by road. Once you reach Dharamshala, you can visit Dalai Lama Temple, waterfall in Bhagsu on your own or even go for shopping in McLeodganj.

Day 16 to Day 17 (Sun-Mon) – Trekking in Himalayas (2 days and 1 night)
Finally the day comes when you can start your trek. We will take you to Triund, which is around 10 kms from Dharamshala. On the way we will stop for refreshments and rest and recoup. On reaching triund you can relax and soak in the views of the magnificent himalayas. After the return from the trekking trip, you would be taken to Palampur.

Day 18 to Day 21 (Tue-Fri) – Volunteer work in Childcare Project in Palampur
In Palampur, your volunteer work will begin. There would a brief orientation session and city tour provided by your coordinator. You would be working in the Childcare Project for a week.

Day 22 (Sat) – End of the program
We would drop the volunteers to Dharamsala airport or at bus terminus as per their onward journey. You also have an option of taking bus to Delhi on Friday evening or a flight on Saturday morning. Those who are taking bus on Saturday evening or flight on Sunday morning, accommodation at volunteer house would be available till Saturday noon only.

**Those who want to extend this program by a week or more would be given extension only in volunteering.